SENATORS ANWAR, MAHER JOIN CALL FOR UNIVERSAL NO-COST SCHOOL MEALS
HARTFORD – Following the late-2022 end of federal support for universal school lunches that supported all students grades K-12 during the apex of the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senators Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) joined a coalition of representatives from food, hunger, school and health nonprofits this morning in Hartford to advocate for the funding of meals at Connecticut schools for all students. Those assembled called for immediate emergency funding to be passed by the legislature to support school meals through the end of the 2022-23 school year, also seeking legislative action to indefinitely fund meals for years to come.
The School Meals 4 All CT Coalition, who joined legislators at today’s event, includes members of dozens of organizations in public health, food assistance, social services and education. One in eight children suffer from hunger, advocates said, and with the end of student meals in late 2022, the programs that supplied important nutritional and societal benefits for children have been stripped, adding both hunger and stigma back into students’ lives. Especially important in the conversation is the low earning threshold for support with the end of this funding; currently in Connecticut, a family of four would need to earn less than $36,075 to qualify for no-cost meals and $51,338 to qualify for reduced cost meals.
“If a child is hungry, they will not be able to learn. They will not be happy. They are more likely to experience chronic illness and medical issues. That’s the reality,” said Sen. Anwar. “We used to see on television that in other parts of the world, children were going hungry, and we would stop to help. Little did we know we would have this conversation in our own communities, where our own children are going hungry. We are all united today in the name of future generations. Providing access to nutrition is something we must do; it is our responsibility. This will be a priority of Senate Democrats this session to address this issue long-term, and the Children’s Committee is already considering the issue at hand. We will pass this bill, hopefully by June, but in between now and then, we cannot afford to wait.”
“I would like to thank State Senator Cathy Osten for appropriating $30 million for school meals last year,” Sen. Anwar noted.
“We are considering an emergency certification to make sure children are fed,” said Sen. Maher. “We know there are issues of mental health, as well, in our communities; we cannot understate the impact of mental health issues on parents when they cannot feed their children. This is incredibly important and we need to address it now.”
“One in eight children suffer from hunger. Some qualify for free meals; others come from families whose income is too high to qualify, but still cannot afford school meals. Hungry kids can’t learn,” Lucy Nolan, Policy Director for End Hunger CT!, said. “No-cost school meals for all students provides nutritional, but also ends the stigma that comes with subsidies, lessens the administrative burden on schools and relieves the financial stress on families.”
“I believe that all kids should have the right to access food, and getting kids free meals in schools is an important way to make that happen,” said Hadley Hamilton-Moras, a fifth-grader at West Hartford’s Charter Oak School. “Having breakfast and lunch at school helps kids learn and helps kids who don’t have food at home know that school is a place that helps meet our needs. When school meals were free in West Hartford, all of my friends ate lunch every day. Since free meals stopped, I have friends who don’t eat lunch because they don’t have money to buy food and they don’t have food at home. I hope Connecticut will pass legislation to provide food to kids who wouldn’t have it otherwise.”
“As a pediatrician, every day, I see how important it is for kids to have access to healthy, nutritious food,” said Dr. Molly Markowitz, advocacy committee chair for the Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Children who experience food insecurity are at increased risks of negative health outcomes, including illness, chronic diseases and nutritional deficiencies. They’re also more likely to be hospitalized and experience higher medical costs. They experience impaired learning in schools, are more likely to experience developmental delays and are more likely to experience behavioral challenges. Hunger is also harmful to parents; parents in households experiencing insecurity are more likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, Black and Brown children in Connecticut and across the country are more likely to experience food insecurity. Children in hunger will experience negative health outcomes. It’s important for legislators to provide access to free school meals to ensure students have the best opportunities to achieve healthy, bright futures.”
“In November, our district lost access to healthy meals for all. On December 1, we went back to paid meals. The effects were immediate and they were awful,” said Jen Bove, nutrition services director for East Hampton Public Schools. “I spent 100% of my first week of paid meals talking to concerned parents, explaining school meals were no longer free, helping them sign up for aid programs or explaining to them why they were not eligible for those programs. A lot of these conversations were heartbreaking and they left me feeling helpless. This year, we’ve received five times as many applications for free or reduced lunch as we did before the pandemic, but I have had to reject more than half of them because their incomes were too high to quality. Our nurses tell me we’ve had more students asking them for snacks and reporting hunger. We also had a 60% decrease in school breakfast participation in December and a 45% decrease in school lunches. We’ve also had a huge decrease in revenue and I have to cut back on the quality of meals. I’m frustrated. A hungry child can’t learn and no child should be made to feel less-than because they can’t afford a meal.”
SENATORS ANWAR, MAHER JOIN CALL FOR UNIVERSAL NO-COST SCHOOL MEALS
SENATORS ANWAR, MAHER JOIN CALL FOR UNIVERSAL NO-COST SCHOOL MEALS
HARTFORD – Following the late-2022 end of federal support for universal school lunches that supported all students grades K-12 during the apex of the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senators Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) joined a coalition of representatives from food, hunger, school and health nonprofits this morning in Hartford to advocate for the funding of meals at Connecticut schools for all students. Those assembled called for immediate emergency funding to be passed by the legislature to support school meals through the end of the 2022-23 school year, also seeking legislative action to indefinitely fund meals for years to come.
The School Meals 4 All CT Coalition, who joined legislators at today’s event, includes members of dozens of organizations in public health, food assistance, social services and education. One in eight children suffer from hunger, advocates said, and with the end of student meals in late 2022, the programs that supplied important nutritional and societal benefits for children have been stripped, adding both hunger and stigma back into students’ lives. Especially important in the conversation is the low earning threshold for support with the end of this funding; currently in Connecticut, a family of four would need to earn less than $36,075 to qualify for no-cost meals and $51,338 to qualify for reduced cost meals.
“If a child is hungry, they will not be able to learn. They will not be happy. They are more likely to experience chronic illness and medical issues. That’s the reality,” said Sen. Anwar. “We used to see on television that in other parts of the world, children were going hungry, and we would stop to help. Little did we know we would have this conversation in our own communities, where our own children are going hungry. We are all united today in the name of future generations. Providing access to nutrition is something we must do; it is our responsibility. This will be a priority of Senate Democrats this session to address this issue long-term, and the Children’s Committee is already considering the issue at hand. We will pass this bill, hopefully by June, but in between now and then, we cannot afford to wait.”
“I would like to thank State Senator Cathy Osten for appropriating $30 million for school meals last year,” Sen. Anwar noted.
“We are considering an emergency certification to make sure children are fed,” said Sen. Maher. “We know there are issues of mental health, as well, in our communities; we cannot understate the impact of mental health issues on parents when they cannot feed their children. This is incredibly important and we need to address it now.”
“One in eight children suffer from hunger. Some qualify for free meals; others come from families whose income is too high to qualify, but still cannot afford school meals. Hungry kids can’t learn,” Lucy Nolan, Policy Director for End Hunger CT!, said. “No-cost school meals for all students provides nutritional, but also ends the stigma that comes with subsidies, lessens the administrative burden on schools and relieves the financial stress on families.”
“I believe that all kids should have the right to access food, and getting kids free meals in schools is an important way to make that happen,” said Hadley Hamilton-Moras, a fifth-grader at West Hartford’s Charter Oak School. “Having breakfast and lunch at school helps kids learn and helps kids who don’t have food at home know that school is a place that helps meet our needs. When school meals were free in West Hartford, all of my friends ate lunch every day. Since free meals stopped, I have friends who don’t eat lunch because they don’t have money to buy food and they don’t have food at home. I hope Connecticut will pass legislation to provide food to kids who wouldn’t have it otherwise.”
“As a pediatrician, every day, I see how important it is for kids to have access to healthy, nutritious food,” said Dr. Molly Markowitz, advocacy committee chair for the Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Children who experience food insecurity are at increased risks of negative health outcomes, including illness, chronic diseases and nutritional deficiencies. They’re also more likely to be hospitalized and experience higher medical costs. They experience impaired learning in schools, are more likely to experience developmental delays and are more likely to experience behavioral challenges. Hunger is also harmful to parents; parents in households experiencing insecurity are more likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, Black and Brown children in Connecticut and across the country are more likely to experience food insecurity. Children in hunger will experience negative health outcomes. It’s important for legislators to provide access to free school meals to ensure students have the best opportunities to achieve healthy, bright futures.”
“In November, our district lost access to healthy meals for all. On December 1, we went back to paid meals. The effects were immediate and they were awful,” said Jen Bove, nutrition services director for East Hampton Public Schools. “I spent 100% of my first week of paid meals talking to concerned parents, explaining school meals were no longer free, helping them sign up for aid programs or explaining to them why they were not eligible for those programs. A lot of these conversations were heartbreaking and they left me feeling helpless. This year, we’ve received five times as many applications for free or reduced lunch as we did before the pandemic, but I have had to reject more than half of them because their incomes were too high to quality. Our nurses tell me we’ve had more students asking them for snacks and reporting hunger. We also had a 60% decrease in school breakfast participation in December and a 45% decrease in school lunches. We’ve also had a huge decrease in revenue and I have to cut back on the quality of meals. I’m frustrated. A hungry child can’t learn and no child should be made to feel less-than because they can’t afford a meal.”
Senator Hochadel Welcomes Agriculture Grant Benefiting Students in Middletown
Senator Hochadel Welcomes Agriculture Grant Benefiting Students in Middletown
State Senator Jan Hochadel (D-Meriden) is welcoming well-deserved funding that will benefit children in Middletown Public Schools. The Department of Agriculture recently announced the second round of Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Grant has been awarded to 32 public school districts, including Middletown.
Middletown Public Schools will be awarded $24,670. Students in Middletown will be able to work with Cold Spring Farm. 4th graders will be able to take multiple field trips to this farm and be able to experience and participate in the full process of growing and harvesting carrots. Those carrots will then be integrated into the students meals.
“I am thrilled for these young students who will have the access to an experience which teaches them the process of agriculture and nutrition,” said Sen. Hochadel. “This hands-on opportunity gets students out of the classroom and empowers them to learn about the health benefits of locally grown produce, the positive impact they will make in their community by supporting local farmers, and the process of how food goes from farm to table.”
The grant being awarded to Middletown Public Schools is a part of 32 grants totaling $452,268. These awards will increase the availability of local foods in child nutrition programs, allow educators to use hands-on educational techniques to teach students about nutrition and farm-to-school connections, sustain relationships with local farmers and producers, enrich the educational experience of students, improve the health of children in the state and enhance the state’s economy.
Senator Looney Celebrates Union Win for Yale Graduate Teachers and Researchers
Senator Looney Celebrates Union Win for Yale Graduate Teachers and Researchers
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) released the following statement regarding Local 33’s successful National Labor Relations Board election to unionize Yale University graduate teachers and researchers..
“This victory for Yale graduate teachers and researchers is a long time coming. So many have given their time and energy to this cause and now, finally, a union will be formed. Local 33 will now be able to secure better pay, benefits, and working conditions for current and future graduate student workers at Yale. In addition, this 10-1 landslide victory sends a message to other universities with similar ongoing campaigns underway or contemplated that they must acknowledge that graduate student workers are truly ‘workers’ who provide substantial benefits to their universities. Also, I hope and expect that Yale’s administration will immediately begin a good faith negotiation with Local 33 to quickly reach agreement on a first contract.”
Senators Looney & Duff Release Statement on Tragic Passing of Representative Quentin “Q” Williams
Senators Looney & Duff Release Statement on Tragic Passing of Representative Quentin “Q” Williams
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released a statement regarding the tragic news of the passing of Representative Quentin “Q” Williams.
“The loss of our colleague Representative Quentin “Q” Williams is utterly shocking and unspeakably heartbreaking. He was a wonderful person who was smart, talented, and had a laugh that would make everyone laugh with him. He was always energetic, exuberant, and felt blessed to be a public servant. We have lost a valued and dedicated member of the legislative community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Carrissa and his family and loved ones during this devastating time. Truly tragic news for all who knew him.”
Senators Looney & Duff Release Statement on Tragic Passing of Representative Quentin “Q” Williams
Senators Looney & Duff Release Statement on Tragic Passing of Representative Quentin “Q” Williams
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released a statement regarding the tragic news of the passing of Representative Quentin “Q” Williams.
“The loss of our colleague Representative Quentin “Q” Williams is utterly shocking and unspeakably heartbreaking. He was a wonderful person who was smart, talented, and had a laugh that would make everyone laugh with him. He was always energetic, exuberant, and felt blessed to be a public servant. We have lost a valued and dedicated member of the legislative community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Carrissa and his family and loved ones during this devastating time. Truly tragic news for all who knew him.”
SENATOR GASTON SWORN IN FOR FIRST TERM AS STATE SENATOR FOR THE 23RD DISTRICT
SENATOR GASTON SWORN IN FOR FIRST TERM AS STATE SENATOR FOR THE 23RD DISTRICT
Today, State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) was sworn in, surrounded by his family, friends, and members of Summerfield United Methodist Church in Bridgeport that he is the Senior Pastor at, in the State Capitol for his first term as the State Senator representing the 23rd Senate District. The 23rd district covers parts of Bridgeport and Stratford. Sen. Gaston was elected to the Senate in November 2022.
“I am absolutely elated to be here today, in the state capitol, as it is an incredible opportunity to serve the great people here in Connecticut,” said Sen. Gaston. “I want to thank all of the leaders that surround me and I look forward to working with everyone here in the legislature. I want to move forward this upcoming session with practices that ensure a good quality of life for all of our residents here in Connecticut. “
Sen. Gaston has an extensive background in governmental relations, higher education administration, criminal justice, church leadership, and social justice advocacy. Sen. Gaston is also the Senior Pastor of Summerfield United Methodist Church in Bridgeport and serves as the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Bridgeport, with responsibilities covering the City’s strategic policy development and administrative operations.
Sen. Gaston will serve as Senate Chair of the Public Safety Committee and Senate Vice Chair of the Human Services Committee.
SENATOR RAHMAN SWORN IN FOR FIRST TERM AS STATE SENATOR FOR THE 4TH DISTRICT
SENATOR RAHMAN SWORN IN FOR FIRST TERM AS STATE SENATOR FOR THE 4TH DISTRICT
Today, State Senator MD Rahman (D-Manchester) was sworn in at the State Capitol for his first term as the State Senator representing the 4th Senate District, which includes Manchester, Glastonbury, Andover and Bolton. Sen. Rahman, elected to the Senate in November 2022, succeeds six-term State Senator Steve Cassano in the role.
“Today is a day I’ll never forget, because I would not be here without the support of my community,” said Sen. Rahman. “There are countless people throughout our four towns who selected me to represent them, and countless more whom I’m responsible to represent. I do not take that responsibility lightly. With today’s swearings-in comes the start of the legislative session, and as we begin our work in committees, I’ll remember the importance and gravity of this seat every day, working for the good of our towns, our communities and our state. America embraced me and my family, and I will not forget that as I fight for all of us.”
Sen. Rahman immigrated to the United States decades ago with little more than hope; today, he owns several businesses in health care, construction and real estate. Prior to his election, Sen. Rahman was locally known for his charitable work, including his work to acquire and distribute personal protective equipment and food for the community during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Decades ago, America found room for Sen. Rahman; decades later, the 4th Senate District found room for him to serve it and the great state of Connecticut.
Sen. Rahman will serve as Senate Chair of the Planning and Development Committee, Vice Chair of the Commerce Committee and as a member of the Aging, Finance, Public Safety and Public Health Committees.
SENATOR HOCHADEL SWORN IN FOR FIRST TERM AS STATE SENATOR FOR THE 13TH DISTRICT
SENATOR HOCHADEL SWORN IN FOR FIRST TERM AS STATE SENATOR FOR THE 13TH DISTRICT
Today, state Senator Jan Hochadel (D-Meriden) was sworn in, surrounded by her children, at the State Capitol for her first term as the State Senator representing the 13th Senate District, which covers Meriden and parts of Cheshire, Middletown, and Middlefield. Sen. Hochadel was elected to the Senate in November 2022.
“I am very blessed to be here and I am really looking forward to the work before us,” said Sen. Hochadel. “I want to acknowledge my friends and family for their continued support. I am thankful to everyone and look forward to the work that will be done in this upcoming legislative session.”
Prior to joining the state Senate, Sen. Hochadel was an engineer working for companies ranging from Omega Engineering in Stamford to Pfizer in Wallingford and New York. After a successful career in engineering, Jan began teaching physics and science at technical high schools in Connecticut, and as an 8th-grade Summer Enrichment Program instructor at Norwalk Community College.
Sen. Hochadel will serve as Senate Chair of the Aging Committee, and Senate Vice Chair of the Environment Committee.
SENATOR ANWAR SWORN IN FOR THIRD TERM AS STATE SENATOR FOR THE 3RD DISTRICT
SENATOR ANWAR SWORN IN FOR THIRD TERM AS STATE SENATOR FOR THE 3RD DISTRICT
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) was sworn in at the State Capitol for his third term as the State Senator representing the 3rd Senate District, which includes East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington and South Windsor. Sen. Anwar received strong support in his re-election to the Senate in November 2022.
“Today marks the start of another two years of serving Connecticut and seeking to improve our state further,” said Sen. Anwar. “I do not take lightly the gravity and responsibility required of this Senate seat. I will further the good work of myself and my colleagues as we fight for better results around our state.”
Sen. Anwar was initially elected to the Senate in March 2019, and has since played an important role on many issues including securing funding for children’s mental health and improving public health in Connecticut, goals and ideals he intends to further support in the upcoming session.
Sen. Anwar will serve as Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, Vice Chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee and as a member of the Appropriations, Children’s and Environment Committees.